CDRL: ‘Scary’ Brothers crowned minor premiers

Brothers captain-coach Jordan Biondi-Odo declared his side’s forward pack the most feared in the competition after the Brethren wrapped up the minor premiership on Saturday night.

Brothers captain-coach Jordan Biondi-Odo declared his side’s forward pack the most feared in the competition after the Brethren wrapped up the minor premiership on Saturday night.

The experienced playmaker heaped praise on big boppers Emmerson Whittel, Abiu Pearson, Nick Harrold and Teddy Kepa following the side’s 22-16 win over CDRL rivals Kangaroos at Vico Oval.

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“I definitely wouldn’t trade them for anyone,” he said.

“We’ve got a few warriors in the middle with Nick and Emmerson, and then we’ve got Abs and Teddy that just bring a lot of aggression.

Brothers’ Teddy Kepa. PICTURE: STEWART MCLEAN

“I thought they (Pearson and Kepa) were outstanding (on Saturday night). When we needed it, they just came off the back fence and got our sets rolling like crazy. They’ve really hit some form the last few weeks, so that’s pretty scary for the other teams.”

Kepa has been a livewire in his role coming off the bench and, while he’s always good for a penalty or two, has found ways to impact games.

“When he’s out there, they know he’s coming and they’re always looking over their shoulder,” Biondi-Odo said.

Saturday’s win pushes Brothers four games clear of a logjam of Innisfail, Mossman-Port Douglas and Yarrabah on 24 points, giving them an unassailable lead at the top of the ladder and sewing up the minor premiership with three rounds left until finals.

But Biondi-Odo said the job was far from finished.

“It’s good but, to be honest, if we don’t win it at the end of the year, it’s all for nothing,” he said.

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Brothers’ Abiu Pearson. Picture: Brian Cassey

“That’s how we see it, so we’re not too worried about that. We know that finals is a different comp in itself and hopefully we’ll get everyone back and be ready to go.”

The Brethren were down 16-14 with 12 minutes to go before late tries to Pearson and winger Jackson Clarke allowed them to snatch the lead back, and their 15th win of the season.

“Full credit to Roos, that team they fielded was an easy top-three team in the comp, but I’m super proud of our boys,” Biondi-Odo said.

“We knew we didn’t have much good ball in the first half – I think we had one good-ball set – but we were confident that when we got our chances we would take them. It was a good win by our boys under a bit of pressure.

Jordan Biondi-Odo looks for support along the line in the Cairns District Rugby League (CDRL) Round 16 match between the Ivanhoe Knights and Cairns Brothers, held at the Smithfield Sporting Complex. Picture: Brendan Radke

“It seems like every team brings their best against us but we don’t want it any other way because it’s prepping us good for the back end of the year.”

Biondi-Odo said it was great to share the field with former Northern Pride teammate and Kangaroos captain-coach Jared Allen.

“It’s a shame he wasn’t playing all year because he could have that team on the top of the ladder,” he said.

“He’s just so competitive and he just wants to win every play and every game, and you could see that (on Saturday night).”

Originally published as CDRL: ‘Scary’ Brothers crowned minor premiers